U.S. patent application number 11/836184 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for interactive system and method for neuromotor functioning assessment and training.
Invention is credited to Adi SULKIN, Esther Sulkin.
Application Number | 20090043170 11/836184 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40341849 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090043170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SULKIN; Adi ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
INTERACTIVE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEUROMOTOR FUNCTIONING ASSESSMENT
AND TRAINING
Abstract
The present invention discloses an interactive system for
neuromotor functioning assessment and training of a subject, using
rhythmic-based techniques. The system may comprise an acquisition
unit and an analysis unit connected by communication means. The
acquisition unit may comprise measuring devices and may unit enable
producing rhythmic aural and/or visual indications and measuring
the subject's performing of actions under the produced rhythmus.
The actions may be carried out according to predefined exercises
using the measuring devices. The analysis unit may include a
software application that allows receiving, storing, displaying and
analyzing of acquisition data arriving from the acquisition unit.
At least one of the measuring devices may be a graphic-tool such
as, for example, a digital pen connected to a receiver, enabling to
measure the subject's lifting of the hand while performing
graphical actions such as writing.
Inventors: |
SULKIN; Adi; (Ramat, IL)
; Sulkin; Esther; (Ramat, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco PL
21355 EAST DIXIE HIGHWAY, SUITE 115
MIAMI
FL
33180
US
|
Family ID: |
40341849 |
Appl. No.: |
11/836184 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/1126 20130101;
A61B 5/1124 20130101; G09B 23/28 20130101; A61B 5/1038 20130101;
A61B 5/6829 20130101; A61B 5/6825 20130101; A61B 5/162
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/300 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. An interactive system for neuromotor functioning assessment and
training of a subject, using rhythmic-based techniques, said system
comprising: an acquisition unit that comprises measuring devices,
wherein said acquisition unit enables producing rhythmic aural
indications and measuring the subject's performing of actions under
said rhythmus, wherein said actions are carried out according to
predefined exercises using said measuring devices; at least one
analysis unit that includes a software application that allows to
receiving, storing, displaying and analyzing of acquisition data
arriving from said acquisition unit; wherein said measuring devices
include at least one graphic-tool, wherein said tool enables
sensing the subject's hand movements when performing graphic
actions with at least part of said tool, allowing said system to
assess the subject's graphic and didactic neuromotor functioning,
according to the subject's performing of said actions.
2. The system of claim 1 further including of visual indicators
enabling to produce visual indications according to predefined
rhythms.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said acquisition unit comprises
said graphic tool, at least one stepper, at least one set of
earphones and at least one acquisition box, wherein said box
comprises: at least one sound producer; at least one speaker;
visual indicators; at least one keypad; and input and output
portals; wherein said box enables producing aural rhythmic
indication using the speakers, the earphones and visual rhythmic
indication using said visual indicators and acquiring measuring
data from said stepper and graphic-tool.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the input portals enable
connecting to said stepper and graphic-tool to allow receiving
measured acquisition data from said stepper and graphic-tool,
wherein the output portals enable connecting to said speaker and to
said analysis unit to allow transmitting of data to said analysis
unit where further analysis of the acquisition data acquired from
said stepper, said graphic-tool and the at least one keypad is
carried out.
5. The system of claim 3 further comprising of a tuner enabling a
user to define the rhythmus of the aural and visual
indications.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein said analysis unit comprises: a
processor enabling to analyze the data received from said
acquisition box and producing of analysis results; and a display
unit enabling to display instructional information acquisition data
related information; wherein said analysis is carried out by
processing of the acquisition data acquired by the acquisition box
and comparing at least part of said acquisition data with reference
data to produce the final analysis results, wherein said reference
data is stored in said analysis unit.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said software application
comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a
diagnostic module and training module, where the diagnostic module
allows displaying of diagnostic exercises according to the
subject's details and the user to select said exercises according
to a predefined menu.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said diagnostic module comprises:
a motor diagnosis enabling to display exercises and exercises'
results relating to the subject's neuromotor functioning using the
stepper and the keypad as the substantially main measuring devices;
a didactic diagnosis that involves exercises that enable to assess
and train the subject's didactic skills using the graphic-tool as
the main measuring devices: a graphic diagnosis that involves
exercises that may assess and train the subject's graphic skills
and their consequent neuromotor skills using the digital
graphic-tool as the main measuring devices.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising of an
attentiveness-area (AA) diagnosis that involves exercises that
facilitates in assessing the subject's optimal area in a classroom
from which the subject will acquire a substantially optimal
attentiveness.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein said application is a web
application enabling a multiplicity of users to share the same
database and to enter a designated website maintained by at least
one web server, wherein each user has a personal account enabling
each user to view said user's data and results measured by the
user's own acquisition unit connected to the web server by
computerized electronic and digital means.
11. The system of claim 3 wherein said keypad is installed within
said box enabling to measure the subject's pressing of each key and
identifying each key that has been pressed as well as measuring the
timing parameters in which each distinguished key is pressed by the
subject.
12. She system of claim 1 wherein said graphic-tool includes at
least one digital pen and at least one pen-receiver wherein said
pen enables sensing the subject's hand movements while using said
pen and transmitting sensing signals to the receiver and wherein
said receiver enables receiving said signals and transmitting the
measured signals to the acquisition unit.
13. The system of claim 3 wherein said stepper includes at least
one pad, wherein said pad enables sensing a subject's stepping upon
said pad as well as sensing the intensity of the subjects step.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein said stepper includes an
eight-shaped marking, allowing measuring the subject's performances
when the subject walks upon said stepper according to said marking
and according to an aurally produced rhythmus.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein said graphic tool is a digitizer
screen.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein said graphic tool is an optical
sensor enabling to sense the subject's hand movements.
17. The system of claim one wherein said stepper is an optical
sensor enabling to senses the subject's legs and feet
movements.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein said stepper is a seismic sensor
enabling to sense the subjects feet movements.
19. A method for neuromotor functioning assessment and training of
a subject, using an acquisition unit that comprises measuring
devices wherein said unit enables producing rhythmic aural
indications, and an analysis unit comprising of a software
application with a graphical user interface (GUI), said method
comprising the steps of: performing at least one exercise, wherein
said subject performs actions associated with said exercise
according to a predefined rhythmus and wherein said performance
involves using at least one of the measuring devices; acquiring
acquisition data, wherein said data includes timing parameters
which indicate the subject's performing of each action along the
timescale; comparing the acquisition data with a reference data,
wherein said comparison is carried out by the analysis unit enables
assessing the subject's neuromotor functioning; wherein the actions
of at least some of the exercises require the subject to perform
graphical actions according to said predefined rhythmus.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein said comparison of the
acquisition data with the reference data including comparing the
timing parameters of the subject's performance of actions with the
timing parameters of the predefined rhythmus.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said comparison results are
defined as shifts, wherein said shifts are measured according to
predefined precisions.
22. The method of claim 19 wherein said subject carries out said
graphical actions of graphical exercises by using a graphical tool
as at least one of the measuring devices.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said graphical exercises include
writing letters, copying of text and copying of predefined shapes,
wherein said graphical tool enables sensing the subject's lifting
of said tool.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein one of the exercises includes
stepping over a stepper according to a predefined rhythmus, wherein
said stepper is one of the measuring devices that allows sensing of
the subject's stepping impact upon said stepper.
25. The method of claim 19 wherein said acquiring of acquisition
data is carried out by an acquisition box included in said
acquisition unit, wherein said box enables producing of aural
indications of said predefined rhythmus, receiving of the measured
data from the measuring devices, storing of said data as well as
the timing parameters of the produced rhythmus and transmitting the
timing parameters of the produced rhythmus, the measured data and
other related data to the analysis unit.
26. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of filling a
questionnaire, wherein said GUI includes at least one questionnaire
formal enabling the user to fill the subject's details and
automatically opening of a personal file under the subject's name
enabling to store all the subject's details as well as the
subject's exercises results under said file.
27. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of inputting
at least one security code, wherein the GUI enables the user to
enter said user's account by inputting of said codes.
Description
FIELD OF TUE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of
behavioral functioning diagnosing techniques. More particularly,
the present invention relates to interactive rhythmus-based systems
for assessing neuromotor functioning and learning skills.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Today, there is a growing awareness of parents, teachers and
therapists regarding the connections between neuromotor functioning
of subjects and the subjects' learning skills and other behavioral,
psychological and mental problems, disorders and the like.
[0003] A subject may be any human tested or, trained for
identifying learning skills related problems such as toddlers,
children and the like.
[0004] Many learning-related disorders such as dyslexia,
dysgraphia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and
many more are found to be neurological disorders that may affect
the subject's learning abilities such as concentration, speed of
thought, reading and writing and the like. Therefore, diagnosing
problems in certain motor activities may relate to or indicate the
subject's learning skills or behavioral difficulties.
[0005] Studies show a clear connection between the brain's ability
to automate physical activities and the level of timing functioning
(mainly controlled by the cerebellum an area in the brain that is
responsible for the regulation and coordination of complex
voluntary muscular movements as well as the maintenance of posture
and balance) and the subject's learning skills, learning and
behavioral disorders. For example, subjects with cerebellum damage
may show difficulties in performing timed tasks {see Rebecca M. C.
Spencer, Richard B. Ivry, Howard N. Zelaznik, "Roll of the
cerebellum in movements: Control of timing or movements
translations?", 2004}.
[0006] Studies have shown that exercises involving requiring
subjects to maintain monotonic and/or rhythmic physical activity
while performing different actions such as reading, writing,
speaking and the like may be a powerful tool both for diagnosing
the subject's level of neuromotor functioning, as well as for
training subjects with low neuromotor functioning to improve the
subjects' learning skills and behavior.
[0007] Recent studies reveal that the neuromotor functioning of a
subject may be estimated and graded when a subject performs refined
exercises in which he/she performs fine graphical actions such as
writing the alphabet letters or copying shapes while following a
metronome monotonic rhythmus--writing a letter per a
metronome-nock, for example.
[0008] A patent number U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,690 by Cassily James F.
discloses a timing, assessment tool that is manipulatable by a user
in response to the user's expected occurrence of a rhythmic
reference signal. The timing assessment tool derives a rhythmic
assessment from a pattern of user responses to the user's expected
occurrence of the rhythmic reference signal. An analyzer, which may
include a database, is provided to respond to the rhythmic
assessment to indicate a diagnosis and/or corrective intervention.
Cassily's tool include sensing devices such as hand and feet
sensors measuring the responses of a user to the rhythmic
signal.
[0009] Cassily's patent enables measuring the time-shifts between
the subject's responses under a heard or visually displayed
rhythmus and the actual rhythm played by the system. Those shifts
indicate the neurological pattern and functioning of the
subject.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is an interactive system and a method
for measuring, analyzing and presenting of neuromotor
functioning-assessments of at least one subject to facilitate in
assessing the subject's learning and behavioral skills by measuring
the subject's neuromotor performances, using various measuring
devices used according to various exercising techniques. The system
may comprise an acquisition unit and an analysis unit, where the
two units may be connected by any communication means known in the
art to allow the acquisition unit to transmit acquisition data to
the analysis unit where the data can be analyzed.
[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
acquisition unit may include measuring devices that may allow
measuring the subject's performances of predefined exercises that
include rhythmic operation of actions that involve using those
devices.
[0012] Additionally, at least part of the actions of each exercise
may be performed by the subject according to a predefined rhythmus
applied to the subjects through aural and/or visual indications.
For example, the system may produce a metronomic sound transmitted
to the subject by aural means such as speakers and/or earphones,
where the system may require the subject to perform the actions
according to the rhythm that is produced.
[0013] The exercises and data acquisition may be supervised by a
user that may be any person responsible for testing the subject.
For example, the user may be a teacher, a parent, a psychologist
and the like.
[0014] Additionally, the analysis unit may comprise a software
application that may enable inputting, receiving, storing,
displaying and analyzing of acquisition data arriving from the
acquisition unit as well as remote tuning of at least some of the
devices.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
measuring devices may include a graphic-tool that may be, for
example, a digital pen connected to a pen receiver or a digital
touch screen enabling to sense movements of a pen like instrument.
The pen, for example, may allow sensing the subject's hand
movements when performing graphic actions of a graphic exercise and
assessing the subjects graphic and didactic neuromotor functioning,
according to the subject's performing of said actions.
[0016] For example, the exercises may involve writing the alphabet
letters according to a metronomic constant rhythmus, where the
system may measure the timing parameters of the subject's hand
lifts comparing these parameters with the timing parameters of the
rhythmus, where the distance between the measured and the produced
timing may be defined as a time shift. The time shifts may indicate
the subject's neuromotor functioning, where the shifts (as part of
the acquisition data) may be compared to reference shifts defined
in the analysis unit as part of a reference data.
[0017] The acquisition unit may additionally include a stepper. The
stepper may include a plurality of pads that may allow sensing the
subject's stepping impact upon each pad.
[0018] According to some embodiments of the invention, the
acquisition unit may comprise an acquisition box connected to the
measuring device, at least some of the aural transmitting devices
such as the earphones and to the analysis unit, enabling to
transmit the acquisition data to the analysis unit by any
communication means known in the art.
[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
acquisition box may comprise at least one sound producer; at least
one speaker; visual indicators; at least one keypad; and input and
output portals. The box may enable producing aural rhythmic
indication using the speakers, the earphones and visual rhythmic
indication using the visual indicators and acquiring measuring data
from the connected and/or integrated measuring devices such as the
keypad, the stepper and the graphic-tool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The subject matter regarded as the invention will become
more clearly understood in light of the ensuing description of
embodiments herein, given by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the present invention only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for assessing
neuromotor and behavioral functioning assessing and training,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an acquisition box,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an acquisition box's
connections, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a software application
connected to the acquisition box and to a web server, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a diagnostic module,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a motor diagnosis,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a didactic diagnosis,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a graphic diagnosis,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the
process of using the analysis and the acquisition units through a
graphical user interface's options, according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a display chart of
sessions, exercises and exercises' results, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a stepper, designed as an
eight-shaped walking platform, according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
[0032] The drawings together with the description make apparent to
those skilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in
practice.
[0033] An embodiment is an example or implementation of the
inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an
embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to
the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention
may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the
features may also be provided separately or in any suitable
combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described
herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the
invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The present invention is a system and a method for
measuring, analyzing and presenting of neuromotor
functioning-assessments of at least one subject to facilitate in
assessing the subject's learning and behavioral skills by measuring
the subject's neuromotor performances, using various measuring
devices used according to various exercising techniques. The system
may comprise of an acquisition unit 100 and an analysis unit 200,
where the two units may be connected by any communication means
known in the art to allow transmission of data.
[0035] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
acquisition unit 100 may include measuring devices that may allow
measuring the subject's performances of predefined exercises that
include rhythmic operation of actions that involve using those
devices.
[0036] Additionally, at least part of the actions of each exercise
may be performed according to a predefined rhythmus applied to the
subjects through aural and/or visual indications. For example, the
system may produce a metronomic tapping sound transmitted to the
subject by aural means such as speakers 111 and/or earphones 130,
where the system may require the subject to perform the actions
according to the rhythm that is produced.
[0037] The acquisition unit 100 may measure the timing parameters
(in predefined precisions), in which the subject has performed the
actions required by the exercise as well as the shifts between the
original rhythmus produced by the system and the subject's timing
parameters acquired by the acquisition unit 100.
[0038] A user may operate the system and control the rhythm of the
rhythmus producer by using tuning means 118 installed in the
system. The user may be any person that tests the subject's
neuromotor performances. For example, the user may be a teacher, a
psychologist, a parent, etc. The subject may be any person that is
tested by the system such as, for example, a child, a toddler, an
adolescent child, an adult, a person with learning or motor
disabilities and the like.
[0039] While the description below contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as exemplifications of the preferred
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible
variations that are within its scope. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated,
but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
[0040] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiments is included in at least one
embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the
inventions. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for
descriptive purpose only.
[0041] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present
invention may be better understood with reference to the
accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be
understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a
limitation to an application of the invention. Furthermore, it is
to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced
in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in
embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description
below.
[0042] It is to be understood that the terms "including",
"comprising", "consisting" and grammatical variants thereof do not
preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps,
or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be
construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.
The phrase "consisting essentially of", and grammatical variants
thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding
additional components, steps, features, integers or groups thereof
but rather that the additional features, integers, steps,
components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and
novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or
method.
[0043] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional"
element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the
additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or
specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not
be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be
understood that where the specification states that a component,
feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or
"could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure,
or characteristic is not required to be included.
[0044] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or
both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not
limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For
example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state,
or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.
[0045] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by
performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination
thereof, selected steps or tasks. The term "method" refers to
manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given
task including, but not limited to, those manners, means,
techniques and procedures either known to or readily developed from
known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of
the art to which the invention belongs. The descriptions, examples,
methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification
are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative
only.
[0046] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are
to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. The present
invention can be implemented in the testing or practice with
methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described
herein.
[0047] Any publications, including patents, patent applications and
articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein
incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same
extent as if each individual publication was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition,
citation or identification of any reference in the description of
some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention.
[0048] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for neuromotor
functioning assessment and training facilitating in diagnosing of
the subject's behavioral functioning and learning skills, according
to some embodiments of the present invention. According to these
embodiments, the system may comprise: [0049] an acquisition unit
100 that may enable producing rhythmic aural and visual stimulation
and measuring the subject's performances and responses under these
stimulations, where the performances and responses may be carried
out according to predefined exercises using predefined measuring
devices; [0050] at least one analysis unit 200 that may include a
software application 250 that allows receiving, storing and
analyzing of acquisition data arriving from the acquisition unit
100.
[0051] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, the acquisition unit 100 may comprise, a
graphic-tool 120 such as a digital pen 121 connected to at least
one pen receiver 122, at least one stepper 140, at least one set of
earphones 130 and at least one acquisition box 110. The graphic
tool 120 may allow sensing the subject's hand movements while
performing graphical exercises such as writing, drawing, etc. using
the pen 120, and transmitting the sensed data to the acquisition
box 110. The stepper 140 may sense the subject's steps separating
one foot from the other and enabling sensing and identifying each
foot's stepping impact upon each stepper's 140 pad (141A and 141B)
and optionally measuring the impact's intensity as well. The
stepper 140 may further transmit the measuring data to the
acquisition box 110. The earphones 130 may allow the subject to
hear rhythmic sounds transmitted by the acquisition box 110 while
performing the actions of the exercises.
[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
analysis unit 200 may comprise a processing unit 210 and a display
unit 220 that allow receiving of the acquisition data from the
acquisition unit 100, processing the acquisition data by comparing
the acquisition data with reference associated data stored in the
processing unit 210 and displaying the acquisition data, the
reference data and the final analysis results.
[0053] The reference data may compose of normative values,
parameters, etc. of the exercises' results adapted to a predefined
grading mechanism.
[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
processing unit 210 may be a computer, for example, and the display
unit 220 a computer screen with a software application 250
installed.
[0055] Additionally, the system may further enable displaying of
instructional information to the user to assist the user in
operating the software application 250, in instructing the subject
regarding the exercises in exhibiting the exercises instructions,
in explaining the analysis results and their meaning etc.
[0056] According to embodiments of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIG. 2, the acquisition box 110 may comprise: [0057]
at least one speaker 111; [0058] visual indicators 113; [0059] at
least one keypad 112; [0060] input 114 and output 115 portals;
[0061] at least one sound tuner 118; [0062] a volume button 119;
and [0063] at least one microprocessor 10. The microprocessor 10
may comprise a sound-producer 11 and a timing unit 12. The sound
producer may produce rhythmus sounds controlled by the user using
the sound tuner 118 and the volume button 119 and/or the
application's 250 interface through virtual control buttons and
tuners. The timing unit may enable measuring and storing time
related data associated with the measuring data received from the
measuring devices (e.g. the stepper 140, the pen receiver 121 and
the keypad 112). For example, a subject may be requested by a user
to step upon the stepper 140 according to a predefined rhythmus
played by the acquisition box 110 that the user can hear by using
the earphones 130 and/or the speakers 111; the user may step on the
stepper 140 where the timing unit 12 acquires the timing parameters
of each step (meaning the time spot over the timescale) and allows
measuring of the shifts between the subject's timing and the
"actual" timing produced by the sound producer 11.
[0064] Depending upon embodiments of the inventions the measuring
of time shifts may be carried out in the processor 10 and/or in the
analysis unit 200, where the analysis unit 200 may receive the
measured timing, parameters and the timing parameters of the
produced rhythmus and calculate the shifts between them.
[0065] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the acquisition boxes 110
connections, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. The microprocessor 10 may be connected to the analysis
unit 200 through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller 17. The
distinguished parts of the measuring devices (e.g. the pads of the
stepper 140, each keypad's 112 key and the like) may be regarded as
switches. Connected to the microprocessor 10 by any communication
and transmission means known in the art.
[0066] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
visual indicators 113 may be light bulbs such as light emitting
diodes (LED), for example. Some of the exercises may include
following the rhythmus of the top LED 113a, bottom LED 113b, left
LED 113d and right LED 113d as illustrated in FIG. 2. The subject
may be requested, for example, to press certain keys on the left
and/or right keypads 112 using certain specified fingers, according
to a predefined rhythmus indicated by the flickering of the LED
indicators 113 and/or a rhythmic sound.
[0067] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the software application
250 connected to the acquisition box 110, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The application 250 may
include a graphical user interlace (GUT) 251 to allow graphically
displaying of information, data and analysis results. The GUI 251
may comprise a diagnostic module 253 to enable displaying and
distinguishing the exercises and the exercises' diagnostic purposes
and a training module 254 that to enable setting up a training
program according to the subject's diagnostic performances and the
subject's personal details (e.g. the subjects' age physical
condition and the like).
[0068] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a diagnostic nodule 253,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
diagnostic module may comprise: [0069] a motor diagnosis 20
enabling to display exercises and exercises' results relating to
the subject's neuromotor functioning using the stepper 140 and the
keypad 112 as the substantially main measuring devices; [0070] a
didactic diagnosis 30 that involves exercises that may assess and
train the subject's didactic skills such as writing using the
digital pen 120 and pen receiver 121 as the main measuring devices;
and [0071] a graphic diagnosis 40 that involves exercises that may
assess and train the subject's graphic skills and their consequent
neuromotor skills such as drawing, copying of shapes and the like
using the digital pen 120 and the pen receiver 121 as the main
measuring devices.
[0072] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the motor diagnosis 20,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The motor
diagnosis 20 may comprise of two main exercises types: [0073] (1) A
gross motor diagnosis 21 that may involve exercises in which the
subject may be required to step on the stepper 140 while hearing
various rhythmus beats (using the earphones 130 and/or the speakers
111) with the purpose to try and follow the rhythmus with his/her
stepping over the steppers 140 pad. The acquisition box 110 may
measure the timing parameters of the subject's steps and record the
real timing parameters of the produced rhythmus where the
processing unit 210 may analyze the acquisition data and calculate
the time-shifts between the real and the acquired parameters; and
[0074] (2) A refined motor diagnosis 22 that may involve exercises
in which the subject may be required to follow both an aural and a
visual rhythmic indications (that may follow the same rhythmus) in
order to press keys on the keyboards 112. Theses exercises may
require pressing specific fingers over specific keys according to
the position of the visual indication manifested through the visual
indicators 113.
[0075] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the didactic diagnosis 30,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
didactic diagnosis 30 may comprise of two main exercises types:
[0076] (1) Gross didactic diagnosis 31 in which the subject may be
required to write down the ABC letters according to their natural
sequence, where the system may measure the amount of correct and
incorrect letters written and the time interval that took the
subject to write them. This may be calculated into an average
number of letters per minute that may be used for a gross didactic
diagnosis of the subject's learning skills, for example. [0077] (2)
Refined didactic diagnosis 32 in which the subject may be required
to write down the ABC letter according to their natural sequence,
using the graphic toll 120, and according to a played rhythmus
where the system may measure the number of "lifts" the user has
made where "lifts" are defined hereinafter when the subject lifts
the graphic tool 120 when writing. For example, when writing the
letter A the subject may lift the tool 120 once between the
triangle and the middle line and the second time to move on to the
next letter. In the refined diagnosis 32, the system may further
measure and calculate the timing shifts between the original played
rhythmus and the subject's lifts timing.
[0078] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the graphic diagnosis 40,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
didactic graphic 40 may comprise of two main exercises types:
[0079] (1) a gross graphic diagnosis 41 in which the subject may be
required to copy written text and/or to copy predefined number of
predefined shapes, where the system may measure the number of
correct and incorrect words and/or shapes the subject has managed
to accomplish per a predefined timeframe (e.g. the number of
correct words per minute). [0080] (2) a refined graphic diagnosis
41 in which the subject may be required to copy written text and/or
to copy predefined number of predefined shapes, using the graphic
tool 120, according to a predefined rhythmus, where the system may
measure the same parameters as in the gross diagnosis 41 as well as
the timing shifts between the original played rhythmus and the
subject's lifts timing.
[0081] Additionally, the diagnostic module 253 may further comprise
an attentiveness-area (AA) diagnosis, according to some embodiments
of the present invention. The AA diagnosis may allow testing the
optimal sitting position of the subject in a classroom, for
example, by testing the subject's natural listening/hearing
optimum, sight optimum etc. For example by testing which ear is
instinctively turned towards a sound source, which eye
instinctively turns towards a light source etc. The user who
examines the subject may input the results of all these "focus
tests" into the application 250 using the GUI 251 selections where
the application 250 may output the resulting position out of
predefined classroom where the user selects the number of seats,
rows and columns.
[0082] Additionally, the diagnostic module 253 may further comprise
a "naming" diagnosis, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. In the naming diagnosis, the subject may be required to
read out from a predefined text where the system may measure the
number of correct and the number of incorrect words read by the
user, the time interval the reading required to enable calculating
the number of correct words read per a predefined time interval
etc.
[0083] According to embodiments of the present invention, to allow
a more refined naming, diagnosis, the acquisition unit 100 may
additionally comprise recording devices and word analyzing hardware
and/or software tools to enable measuring timing shift of words
from a predefined rhythmus aurally and/or visually indicated to the
subject by the acquisition box 110.
[0084] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
acquisition unit 100 may be connected to the user's computerized
system 200 where the computerized system ma/y be connected to a web
server 300 that may maintain a website through which a web
application 250 containing a web GUI 251 may allow the user to
enter a personal account in which he/she may store subjects'
acquisition data. Additionally, the server 300 may provide the user
with an access to at least one database 350 enabling a multiplicity
of users to share the same reference data, exercises instructions,
reference results and the like.
[0085] FIG. 9 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the
process of using the analysis 200 and the acquisition 100 units
through the GUI 251 options, according to some embodiments of the
present invention. The process may comprise the steps of: [0086]
entering the GUI 251 and starting a new session 81--where to enter
the application's 250 GUI 251 the user may be required to enter a
website and/or to open a client program installed in his/her
personal computer (depending on embodiments of the invention);
[0087] the GUI 251 may require the user to select a diagnostic 82
or a training 91 process; [0088] upon selecting of the diagnostic
process, the user may be required to select the diagnosis type 83,
for example, according to the diagnosis types distinctions mention
above (e.g. didactic, graphic etc.); [0089] upon selecting the
diagnostic type, the user may be required to select the exercises'
type 84 (e.g. gross or refined) where a list of exercises may
automatically be displayed allowing the user to-- [0090] select an
exercise 85; [0091] acquiring the acquisition data 86, where the
user may instruct the subject regarding the exercise and the usage
of the exercise related measuring devices and indications, operate
the relevant features of the acquisition box 110 and/or the
relevant devices and allow the subject to perform the actions of
the exercise. While the subject performs the exercise, the
acquisition box 110 may online record all timing parameters and
other device and exercise related data (e.g. pen 121
lifts/stepper's 140 impacts, original indication rhythmus etc.).
[0092] Transmitting the acquisition data to the analysis unit 87
for further processing; [0093] analyzing the acquisition data 88
by, for example, comparing the acquisition data or a processed
acquisition data to a reference data stored and/or retrieved by the
analysis unit 200; [0094] once the analysis of the exercise is
completed, the user may select another exercise of the same type
89, another exercise of the same diagnostic type but of a different
exercise type 90; [0095] once the subject has performed all the
exercises set tip by the user (e.g. a tutoring psychologist) the
user may select a new session 91 repeating steps 83-90. [0096] One
the user has selected all desired sessions and the subject has
performed at least some of the exercises of the selected sessions
the GUT 251 may display the results of the sessions and exercises
in a results screen 92 as illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0097] Additionally, once the user has selected the training rout
93--the user may select the training type 94 and be presented of
substantially the same types of exercises as of the diagnostic
module 253 of the GUT 251.
[0098] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a display chart of
sessions, exercises and exercises' results, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The GUT 251 may allow the
user to execute operations 61 such as adding a new session to the
table 61A, deleting an existing session 61B, opening a new exercise
61C and the like, where the sessions and exercises are selected out
of predefined lists.
[0099] Additionally, the GUI 251 may facilitate the user in saving
and displaying the sessions' tables of each of the user's subjects
separately specifying the subject's details 67 by displaying them
whenever the subject's account is opened.
[0100] Additionally, the sessions' table may exhibit a grade of
each exercise calculated according to predefined criterions based
on comparison with statistics-based models, for example.
[0101] Additionally, the application 250 may enable outputting a
quantified total grade or several grades relating to several fields
tested, where each grade may be compared to a grades table enabling
to estimate the subject's functioning level in each field. For
example, a grade from one to ten indicating the dyslexia level
where below five is considered dyslexia.
[0102] According to embodiments of the invention, the system may
accumulate statistical data relating to the exercises results of a
multiplicity of subjects tested by a multiplicity of users. The
system may process this data to update and improve the reference
data to which the acquisition data is compared.
[0103] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a stepper 140, designed as
an eight-shaped walking platform, according to some embodiments of
the present invention. The stepper 140 may comprise a multiplicity
of sensors enabling to sense the subject's footsteps and footsteps'
impact intensity upon each pad 141 of the stepper 140. This stepper
140 type may be used, for example, for testing the subject's
ability to walk according to an eight-shaped line where the
crossing shape of the sign 8 may require operating different
hemispheres and may test different neuromotor functioning levels.
Additionally, the stepper's 140 exercises may require the subject
to walk and/or jump along the eight-shaped markings according to a
rhythmus produced by the acquisition unit 100 while performing
other actions according or not according to the same rhythmus.
[0104] According to some embodiments of the invention, the stepper
140 may enable sensing of the subject's stepping and position of
steps without the use of pads 141. The stepper 140 may be a seismic
or an optic detector enabling to scan a predefined area and sense
the subject's feet and/or legs movements.
[0105] Additionally, the graphic tool 120 may be a digitizer screen
that allows detection of the subject's graphic operations by, for
example, sensing a pen's pressure upon said screen.
[0106] Alternatively, the graphic tool 120 may be an optical sensor
enabling to sense the subject's hand movements.
[0107] According to some embodiments of the invention, the user may
control the measuring devices through the analysis unit 200 where
the GUI 251 may include control options to allow the user to
control various measuring devices and features. For example, the
user may be enabled by the GUI 251 to control the rhythmus and
volume of the sound and visual indications, turn at least some of
the devices on and off through the GUI 251 etc.
[0108] Additionally, the GUI 251 may include at least one
questionnaire format to allow the user to input the subject's
details such as, for example, the subject's medical and
psychological history, personal details such as name, sex and age,
socioeconomic background, grades at school and the like. Upon
filling the questionnaire, the GUI 251 may automatically open a
"personal file" of the subject enabling to store all the
questionnaire as well as the exercises results in this file.
[0109] Additionally, the GUT 251 may further allow the user to
enter either the each subject's specific file and/or the user's
workspace by requiring the user to input security codes such as a
password and/or a user name.
[0110] According to some embodiments of the invention, the sound
and rhythmus may be any type of musical and/or sound pieces played
according to a certain rhythmus. For example, the sound may be a
sound of a falling coin replayed according to a predefined rhythmus
or a musical piece where the subject is requested to perform the
exercise according to his/her interpretation as to what the
rhythmus of the musical piece is and/or according to the piece's
changing rhythms.
[0111] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as
exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Those
skilled in the art will envision other possible variations,
modifications, and applications that are also within the scope of
the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not
be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended
claims and their legal equivalents.
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